My 1970 Corvette sets lower in the rear end than it did last yr. Seems like over the winter it is about 2 in. lower. I don't like the new stance. The car handle's and rides the same as it allways did. It just sets lower in the rear. What happened ? and what can I do to raise it back up ????
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Re: C3 Rear Suspension "1970"
How old are the spring link cushions? Usually compressed and hardened cushions result in a slow loss of ride height and increased ride harshness over the years, and they should be replaced about every five years whether the car is driven or not.
A sudden loss of ride height could be caused be a broken leaf. Does the spring appear to have significant corrosion - more than just surface rust?
You can probably detect a broken leaf by carefully inspecting the edges of the leaves on both the front and rear sides of the spring.
Duke -
Re: C3 Rear Suspension "1970"
I have owned the car 5 yrs & never had the spring cushions done. Could it be any thing else, and is this something I can do myself, or is it better left to a pro ?Comment
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Re: C3 Rear Suspension "1970"
It's an easy job, but requires due caution and attention to safety. Use a soft wood block and a floor jack to lift the end of the spring, leaving room to access the nut, until the spring link is unloaded. Then remove the link assembly and reinstall with new cushions. The castle nuts can freeze due to corrosion, so dropping some penetrating oil down the link bolt the day before you do the job is a good idea. Pull the cotter pin and check that you can back off the nut before you jack up the end of the spring.
Be sure the car is secured (parking brake on, in gear or "Park") on a hard level surface, and I would also suggest double chocking at least one front tire. Also make sure the jack puck is centered across the width of the leaves so there is no chance that it will slide out. You can also use a safety chain around the halfshaft and spring if you have any misgivings.
Probably most of the Corvettes out there need new spring link cushions. They are a very overlooked wear component.
Be sure you also carefully inspect the spring for broken leaves, too.
DukeComment
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Re: C3 Rear Suspension "1970"
Vince,
Two inch drop seems a lot due to cushions unless they are completely gone. I would do as Duke has suggested and carefully examine the spring or have someone familiar with identifying a broken spring look at it. I read once that gas charged shocks can cause a slight rise in ride height. If they leaked over winter this might be a contributing factor but I doubt that one would notice such a change. Another possibility if your over 50 you might have just forgotten how it looked before winter.
WayneComment
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Re: C3 Rear Suspension "1970"
The rear end of the car does set even across the back, just down, I can't wait to get home and check it all out. Thanks again to both of you.Comment
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